GIS Specialist

GIS Technician

Maintain and update GIS system and all other related software, create and implement GIS changes that increase efficiency and data visualization, design overhead and underground construction projects, perform engineering activities to ensure accurate and timely information required to facilitate accomplishment of the District's mission and goals.

Essential Job Functions:

• Responsible for the development, maintenance and integrations of applications and systems that support the engineering department.
• Design, create, update and maintain GIS layers for engineering department.
• Use GIS data to find solutions to engineering department issues.
• Ability to stay current with technology and to apply training and experience to District related applications.
• Has periodic contact with outside computer support personnel, as well as, PUD IT department.
• Works with IT department to interface with other systems (Survalent SCADA, NISC including OMS,CIS, ABS, MapWise and AppSuite).
• Gathers, analyzes and integrates spatial data from a variety of sources including censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, or maps, analyzes geographic relationships among varying types of data and determines how best the information can be displayed using GIS. Design and update database, applying additional knowledge of spatial feature representations.
• Maintains current knowledge and researches developments within the GIS and mapping industry and makes recommendations to improve effectiveness of the PUD's procedures and services.
• Assists with SCADA related software project design and implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Work with metering department and IT department to leverage use of meter data for transformer loading, transformer losses, system losses and any other information useful to the engineering department.

Additional Job Functions:

• Design Primary/Secondary Distribution power systems replacements, extensions and upgrades estimates and work orders for developer and customer projects, maintenance and operating projects, city and county projects, chargeable, system improvements and building maintenance with oversight from Coordinator, Sr. Coordinator and/or Engineer on a limited basis.
• Assist in examining and approving work orders for construction.
• Prepare and obtain highway, BPA, DNR, NPS, F&W and other permits as necessary for District or customer requirements.
• Assist in survey projects as directed.
• Draft legal descriptions and procure easements as needed to construct electric distribution facilities.
• Create and manage job duties training manual for GIS Specialist, Engineer Technician I & II, and Power System Coordinator.
• Participate in accident prevention program, including training and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

Job Standards: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have the ability to understand, follow and communicate accurate, clear and concise written and verbal information and instructions.
• Must have knowledge of local, State, and Federal laws, ordinances and rules governing the design, construction and operation of Electric Distribution facilities.
• Must have knowledge of utility materials, including applications.
• Must have the ability to communicate the District's service requirements, charges and rate schedules to customers and contractors.
• Must have knowledge of basic electricity, including load calculation and voltage drop.
• Must have knowledge of distribution system protection and coordination.
• Must have the ability to perform drafting and surveying functions and interpret aerial photos.
• Must have the ability to draw and letter legibly.
• Must have the ability to learn and apply various computer programs, including AutoCAD and ESRI based GIS.
• Must have the ability to train others in necessary job skills.
• Must have a working knowledge of safe work practices and accident prevention procedures, tools and equipment as related to job functions.
• Must have the ability to work without close supervision and to make decisions compatible with prior instructions.
• Must have the ability to plan and organize work schedules, enforce policy and adjust to abrupt schedule changes.
• Must have the ability to operate equipment efficiently to facilitate completion of job functions.
• Must have the ability to make sound decisions regarding the application of District policies and guidelines, as well as developing solutions for dealing with problem situations.
• Must have math, reading and writing skills required for the job functions.
• Must have the ability to work from maps, blueprints, specifications and sketches.
• Must have knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code.
• Ability to write code using Python script.

Education, Experience and Training:

• Requires 3 years of experience as an Engineering Tech II, or a Bachelor's degree in GIS related field.
• Requires ArcGIS Desktop Professional certification or equivalent.
• Previous work with NISC software preferred.
• Experience in surveying and mapping of utility systems is preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Must pass a District physical examination and be able to perform essential job functions.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and a safe driving record. Employees moving from out of state must obtain a Washington State license in accordance with Washington State law.

Working Conditions:

• The job functions will be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments. There may be adverse weather conditions for outdoor work.
• Some work will be done in areas covered by brush and trees and where footing is poor and the ground uneven and or water soaked.
• The job functions include working with persons who exhibit many types of personalities and behaviors.
• Job functions will require work around ladders, structures and equipment.
• Job functions on and around mechanized equipment will present the need for alertness and safety awareness.
• May encounter the need to work with hazardous materials.

Physical Requirements:

• The work requires the ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Materials, equipment and supplies will be lifted to and from trucks, equipment, shelves and the ground.
• The work requires the ability to operate office machines, tools, equipment and vehicles associated with the job functions.
• The work requires the ability to answer questions and communicate with coworkers, customers and others in person and on telephones and mobile radios.
• The work requires the ability to create detailed engineering drawings; to work in limited light; and to differentiate among colors.
• The work requires the ability to see and hear in order to detect problems and ensure the safety of employees and others in response to exposure to the hazards associated with this position.
• Work activities involve combinations of walking, climbing, pushing, pulling, bending and sitting for extended periods, lifting and carrying and standing for extended periods.

Equipment and Vehicles:

• The job requires driving and operating vehicles such as automobiles and pickup trucks.
• The job requires the use of hand tools, surveying and GPS equipment, drafting equipment, office machines, copying machines, calculators, computers, telephone and mobile radio.
• Future work practices may necessitate the use of different equipment, vehicles and tools.